Hilarity hits home in a comedic escapade that inspires amidst tears of laughter.
Sexy Laundry is a theatrical study in human nature and the enduring simplicity of true love disguised as a crackup comedy. The audience has fun perceiving that it is not luxuries or gimmicks that sustain a marriage but an ongoing ability to communicate. Guffaws resound throughout the theatre as the audience figures it out.
For twenty-five-year marriage alumni Alice and Henry, revelation comes at the price of an expensive hotel room, a book called Sex for Dummies and an assortment of ill fitting costumes.
The two actors convey a down to earth couple in marital mid-life crisis mode. The play starts off with a shockingly racey feel but gives way to comedy.
The first act is more intrigue than hilarity as the audience learns what drives the characters. They each have a monologue that reveals much of their struggle and garners empathy. Both actors show great depth in these poignant solo moments.
Gabrielle Jones plays Alice, whose idea it was to rent the hotel room and try to spice things up. She is a likeable character who portrays a wife who no longer feels adored or desirable. Her efforts to vamp it up in spike heels and leather are completely hilarious as she teeters and stammers across the stage unable to walk the walk or talk the talk.
Her ridiculous efforts are richly juxtaposed with the character the audience came to identify with in the first act. Nobody could have played it better. Jones has a strong theatrical background that includes six seasons with the Stratford Festival, 12 seasons with the Shaw Festival and The Crazy Time for Drayton Entertainment.
Sheldon Davis plays the beleaguered husband Henry trying to be a good sport. He is reminiscent of Jackie Gleason in The Honeymooners with his portrayal, combining eye-popping exasperation with patient love for his Alice. Davis captures Henrys’ mid life crisis role as he realizes that his fantasies do not take him that far from home.
A favourite moment occurs when Henry sits on the remote and trips off a popular Rolling Stones song. A tentative toe tap works into a riot of moonwalking, air guitar playing and Mick Jagger moves to wails of approval from the audience, not so much from Alice. Davis plays everyman husband Henry with great heart.
Drayton Entertainment audiences will remember Davis from The Odd Couple or The Last Resort among many other credits.
By Vancouver playwright Michele Riml, Sexy Laundry has been widely produced throughout North America. It has been translated into several languages for international productions, understandably for its universal appeal.
It is apparent that director J. Sean Elliott has interpreted Sexy Laundry with insight and talent, guiding the actors through fast paced dialogue and physical comedy with impeccable timing and delivery.
Set designer Samantha Burson has created a luxurious looking, modern, Asian-themed hotel room that accommodates the shenanigans well.
The St. Jacob’s Schoolhouse Theatre is a very conducive venue for this production; with a friendly, cozy feel that helps to create a more intimate notion.
Sexy Laundry is a long running production – through to Dec. 20. Tickets can be purchased in person at the St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre, online at www.draytonentertainment.com or by calling the box office toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
